Funding cake to support victims of crime

The new Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway has revealed a £400,000 funding cake to support victims of the most traumatic crimes.
Newly elected Bedfordshire PCC Kathryn HollowayNewly elected Bedfordshire PCC Kathryn Holloway
Newly elected Bedfordshire PCC Kathryn Holloway

With a funding pot of £449,392 to allocate Ms Holloway has announced her intention to invest it on projects that fill gaps in existing support for victims of different types of abuse inBedfordshire.

She said: “Abuse in any form is unacceptable and all too often it is focused on the most vulnerable in our society, leaving victims highly traumatised and struggling to move forward with their lives. There is a danger that abuse then becomes a vicious circle with repeat victimisation simply because the right support isn’t available.”

The priorities for awarding the funding will focus on refuge provision for those fleeing domestic abuse and support for victims of domestic abuse; play therapy and counselling for victims of child sexual exploitation; youth-oriented projects to combat online bullying and gang related violence and vulnerable victims of sexual abuse andfemale genital mutilation (FGM).

Ms Holloway added: “It’s vital to provide the type of help that’s needed in our county and I want to see a range of support available which is easily accessible for the most vulnerableto help them to cope and recover and rebuild whole lives.

“I’m particularly keen to hear from innovative projects which will help to bridge the gaps in existing services and I am keen to advertise these funds widely so more organisations are aware of them.”

The full criteria for applicants and a specification is available atwww.bedspcc.org. All projects must be completed during this financial year.

In the interests of total transparency and impartiality, instead of these grants being awarded at the discretion of the Commissioner, the Commissioner will convene a selection panel toassess applications and presentations will be required.

The closing date for applications is June 20, 2016.